OpenAI plans to launch web browser with AI agent to challenge Chrome

OpenAI plans to launch its first web browser in the coming weeks, directly challenging Google Chrome’s dominance in the browser market. This move comes just as Perplexity AI debuted its own browser called Comet, signaling a coordinated push by AI companies to capture web traffic and user data while potentially undermining Google’s search-dependent revenue model.

What you should know: OpenAI’s browser will likely integrate its AI agent called Operator, which can automate repetitive web tasks for users.

• Operator performs actions like “filling out forms, ordering groceries, and even creating memes” on behalf of users, according to OpenAI.
• The AI agent launched in January and currently requires a ChatGPT Pro subscription at $200 per month.
• It remains unclear whether OpenAI will charge for browser access or integrate it as a premium feature.

The competition heats up: Perplexity AI launched Comet today, featuring a chat interface that can automate tasks through text and voice commands.

• Users can ask Comet to send emails, book hotels, buy products, or plan routes on Google Maps based on text prompts.
• Like ChatGPT Pro, Comet costs $200 per month through the Perplexity Max plan.
• Perplexity is experiencing rapid growth with 20% month-over-month increases, according to TechCrunch.

The big picture: While overtaking Chrome’s nearly 70% worldwide market share would be challenging, both companies have significant user bases to leverage.

• ChatGPT boasts an estimated 400 million daily active users who could potentially migrate to OpenAI’s browser.
• By controlling their own browsers, both companies can access more user data while diverting traffic from Google’s ad-dependent search business.

Google’s response: The search giant has been actively defending against AI chatbot threats since ChatGPT’s launch.

• Google issued an internal “code red” when ChatGPT launched in November 2022 and released its own chatbot (initially Bard, now Gemini) in February 2023.
• The company has pivoted to AI Overviews on search results pages, though these don’t always provide accurate answers.
• ChatGPT has remained the most popular chatbot despite Google’s efforts.

What’s next: OpenAI previously expressed interest in purchasing Chrome if the Department of Justice forces Google to sell it as part of an antitrust case.

• Yahoo also indicated it would consider buying Chrome if it became available for sale.
• The timing suggests AI companies are positioning themselves for a potential reshuffling of the browser market.